The Swedish Church has long held a notable role in forestry management, predominantly driven by economic motives. The approach, characterized by practices such as clear-cutting, has spurred public concerns about environmental implications and sustainability. This has led to a deeper look into the Church's stewardship of forest lands and its alignment with the Church's broader mission to care for creation.
In response to public criticism, the Church initiated an investigation in 2021 to assess the sustainability of its forestry operations. This move sought to evaluate the Church's ecological, economic, social, and spiritual responsibilities, laying the groundwork for potential policy shift and reform.
In September 2024, the findings of the Church's forestry investigation, compiled in the report "Kyrkan och skogen, Ansvar, handling, och hopp," were made public. The report's recommendations mark a significant pivot towards more sustainable management of Church-owned forests, emphasizing the need to balance economic pursuits with environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The report proposes substantial changes to the current forestry practices. Firstly, it recommends an increase in protected forest areas from the current 9% to 20%. This measure is pivotal in conserving biodiversity and protecting delicate ecosystems, underpinning the Church's responsibility towards sustainable ecological practices.
Furthermore, the report suggests implementing non-clear-cutting practices on at least 33% of the forest land. Such practices include selective logging or shelterwood cutting, which are less invasive and help maintain forest cover and habitat continuity. This represents a shift away from traditional methods that have been a source of ecological controversy, aiming to mitigate soil erosion, preserve wildlife habitats, and maintain the aesthetic and recreational value of the forests.
Despite an inclination towards more sustainable methods, the report does not entirely discard clear-cutting. It authorizes clear-cutting on 47% of the forests; however, this would be subject to stricter controls. Recommendations include extending rotation periods between harvests to allow forests more time to mature, increasing protection zones around sensitive areas such as waterways and habitats, and reducing the size of clear-cut areas to minimize environmental impacts.
The proposed adjustments symbolize a notable shift in values, where ecological considerations are woven into the fabric of economic decision-making. The acknowledgment of environmental responsibilities echoes the Church's broader spiritual mission of stewardship over creation.
One of the foreseeable consequences of these changes is their economic impact. With reduced logging activity, the Church anticipates a slight dip in revenue. However, forestry presently contributes a mere 2% to the overall income of the Church, and the projected 0.4% decrease in revenue is deemed manageable. The passive nature of this financial adjustment suggests a willingness within the Church to embrace short-term economic sacrifices for long-term ecological gains.
Another significant recommendation is to enhance congregational oversight over forestry operations. This would ensure greater transparency and align the Church's practices with local community values and ecological concerns. Enhancing local governance can fortify community trust and foster a collaborative approach towards sustainable land management.
The Church's initiative to examine and reform its forestry practices reflects a broader acknowledgement of its role as a custodian of God's creation. By integrating sustainable practices and increasing local oversight, the Church is aligning its operations more closely with its theological values while addressing contemporary environmental concerns.
